In the waning months of the year 972 AF, a public news post announced the opening of a second Asterian Festival.

Nearly a century and a half following the first, this next effort by the Asterian Restoration would celebrate the history of Achaea, its Gods, its peoples, and its culture. Five years would be the time allowed for members of cities, Orders, and Houses to prepare their work for the gathering.

The 13th of Ero, 977 AF came swiftly. The Festival was opened in its first stage, named the Age of Proteus, and the Grand Bazaar. Along with presentations on the Elder Gods, the Great Bard presented the first of His boons to the celebrants of history: a glimpse into storied Seleucar.

The Festival transitioned into its second stage, named the Age of Mortal Races, allowing all attendees to learn more of the peoples adventurers represent. Once more, a glimpse into a different locale of Ancient Seleucar was opened, offering members of the Fellowship of Explorers a taste of their forebears' efforts in the Cartographers Guild.

So followed the Age of Succession, with presentations on the travels of Nikolas and Severian, their storied debates, and of the life and times of Catarin deSangre. On Scarlatti's behalf, Phylarchus, the Chronicler added previously-unknown context to the infant Catarin's birth, bringing forth previously-unknown context of the court dynamics at the time of her infancy. Not to be outdone, the God of the Wine-Dark Seas brought from the depths of His realm the HIMS Iridescent Moon, that ancient flagship of Royal Shallam that took part in the battle for Ralshev's Bay.

The Age of the Sundering followed, detailing the dissolution of the Empire of Seleucar, with presentations on the personalities that ruled at the time. This was accompanied by an inaugural game of Foozle upon Meropis, along with a ship race imitating the flight of the Imperial Fleet during the Sundering and a trial for the founder of the Sapient League, Davis Kephry.

With the closing of the Age of the Sundering came the rebirth of nations in the Age of Civilisation. Showcases representing the cities of modern Sapience, a self-guided adventure across the world re-creating the steps Nikolas and Severian took to find where hallowed Seleucar would eventually stand all took place. Perhaps most significantly, an orb that could assimilate the offered memories of those who traveled to it was presented, allowing all to record their thoughts and feelings for posterity.

But nothing lasts forever. The Age of the Worldreaver highlighted the calamity Sapience suffered at the hands of that cataclysmic foe. Presentations on the Gods who opposed that most dire enemy brought the danger of that time to life; so too did the Ember Hunt re-create the search for the embers of Ashaxei. An auction of Art and Artifacts took place in Delos, where many unique pieces were brought forth for the first time in modern history.

At last, the Festival closed with its final stage, the Age of Black Woe. Bringing to life the history of the criminal Pazuzu and his efforts to overthrow the Gods, this stage offered presentations on the Gods, on the Death Knights of Osterrych, and even a glimpse into the memories of a witness who saw the Renegade's remains destroyed forevermore in the covenant reigned over by the Pantheon.

The final offering was the Asterian Masquerade, a fitting end to an ambitious celebration. This gathering celebrated many of the great figures of history, and with its closing came the finale of the Festival.

The organisers of this monumental undertaking are now free to take a well-deserved rest.

Celebrated via new titles, the Historians Jurixe Nithilar, Skye B. Anchors, and Ruth I'llur plan their next steps. The Asterian Restoration was awarded the status of High Clan for its efforts, and already the foundations are being laid for the next iteration of their work. Time will tell if it will be called even greater than the second Festival- though all signs point to a bright and promising future.

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Summary: From 977-978AF, the second Festival of the Asterian Restoration took place. Packed with presentations and events planned and executed by both mortals and Gods, the celebration of Achaea's history and lore brought the organisation the prized status of High Clan for its efforts.

Penned by My hand on the 16th of Chronos, in the year 978 AF.